By Spy Uganda
In a significant meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in Kampala, the leadership of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) engaged with State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga Baluku to address growing concerns over the safety of journalists, particularly following the recent violent events in Kawempe. Several journalists were brutally assaulted during this by-election, and equipment worth millions was both damaged and confiscated.
With the 2026 elections fast approaching, the meeting took on added urgency, as journalists in Uganda have long faced heightened risk and intimidation during electoral periods. During elections, the media fraternity often finds itself under siege, with many reporters fearful of physical assault and harassment, particularly at the hands of security forces.
The NAB leadership, including Kin Kariisa, a member of the NAB Board of Trustees, and NAB Chairman Innocent Nahabwe, took the opportunity to urge Minister Kabyanga to prioritize the safety and security of journalists as the country prepares for the 2026 elections.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that took place in Kawempe. No journalist should have to endure such violence while doing their job,” Minister Kabyanga said. “I understand the unique challenges that journalists face, especially with the 2026 elections approaching. I will personally engage with the concerned authorities to ensure that this issue is addressed and the necessary steps are taken to prevent future occurrences.”
A key issue raised during the meeting was the destruction of journalistic equipment, with several journalists losing valuable gadgets during the chaos. Minister Kabyanga assured the NAB leadership that the government would compensate the affected journalists for their broken or confiscated equipment.
“The government recognizes the importance of media freedom and the protection of journalists,” Kabyanga added. “We will ensure that those who suffered losses during the Kawempe incident are compensated promptly. With the elections coming up, we are fully committed to ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.”
NAB CEO, Joseph Beyanga aka Joe Walker expressed gratitude for the minister’s commitment but emphasized that accountability for the attacks on journalists must be pursued. “While we appreciate the government’s pledge to compensate the journalists for their losses, we are also taking legal action. Our lawyers are already working on the paperwork to ensure that those responsible for ordering and executing the brutal treatment of journalists will face justice,” Beyanga remarked.
He added; “During election periods, journalists are often caught in the crossfire of political tensions. The violence and intimidation that have been witnessed in the past must not be allowed to continue. We are determined to ensure that our members are protected, and that the press can operate freely without fear of reprisal.”
The Minister acknowledged the heightened concerns around election time, stressing that the government’s engagement with security agencies would be vital to ensure the safety of journalists during the 2026 election cycle. “We are all aware that election periods can be particularly difficult for journalists, but we must ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisal,” Kabyanga added, noting that he will also seek an appointment for NAB members to meet President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to further raise their concerns.
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